xii, 425 pages : 24 cm

Presents brief descriptions of selected scientific principles to illustrate the interplay between science, engineering and society. Case studies emphasize technological developments growing directly from scientific discoveries, such as telegraphy as a result of discoveries in electromagnetism

"Published as part of an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation program"--Series title page

Includes bibliographical references (pages 405-415) and index

Introduction -- 1. Science joins engineering -- I. Discovery -- 2. Telegraphy: The beginnings -- 3. Hydroelectric power: The irony of Los Angeles -- 4. The flying machine problem: The Wright stuff -- II. Innovation -- 5. Fossil fuels, steam power, and electricity: Los Angeles revisited -- 6. Gasoline: From waste product to fuel -- 7. Bridge design: Concrete aesthetics -- III. Risk -- 8. Vaccines: Good intentions are not enough -- 9. The greenhouse effect: Revolution involves risk -- 10. Atomic power: Difficulty in estimating cancer risks -- Conclusion -- 11. An intricate web

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews